[Mid-term evaluation of a help program for smokers].
BACKGROUND
Medical counsel to smokers is an intervention that has proved useful to motivate smokers to stop smoking. This study pretends evaluate the long-term impact (2 years and 9 months) of systematic and structured health counsel on the smoke habit from the primary health care.


METHODS
In April 1990, in four primary care centers from Barcelona and Zaragoza, Spain, a program of systematic counselling to stop smoking with an offer of subsequent follow-up was initiated in all adult smokers (15-65 years of age). According to the answer, every patient was classified on one of seven established categories that allowed a individualized follow-up. Data from the total population included in the program from the beginning till January 1993, are analyzed.


RESULTS
From 683 known smokers (59.2% males and 40.8% women), 20 were excluded for different reasons and 343 were included in the program (56.4% cover). Average age of included smokers was 35.1 years (SE = 0.6) and average number of visits of 5.3 (SE = 0.2) which was significantly higher than those not included in the program (33.4; SE = 0.6, and 2.7; SE = 0.1). An average follow-up of 14.3 months (SE = 0.5) and of 2.6 (SE = 0.1) interventions on each individual were done. The average daily number of cigarettes was 18.4 (SE = 0.6) in the initial period and 13.3 (SE = 0.6) on the last program evaluation. The final answers showed a 18.1% of quitters and a decrease of more than 50% on the initial consume on 32.6%. In 12% the answer was negative.


CONCLUSIONS
Programs of systematic help for smokers show a higher level of favourable responses than does normal counselling.
Martín Cantera
C
C
Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Córdoba García
R
R
Jane Julio
C
C
Nebot Adell
M
M
Galán Herrera
S
S
Aliaga
M
M
Pujol Ribera
E
E
Ballestín
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013030:Spain
Evaluación a medio plazo de un programa de ayuda a los fumadores.